Purifoy declares for NFL

Published: Monday, December 2, 2013 at 2:22 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 2, 2013 at 2:22 p.m.

As expected, Florida junior cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy has declared for the NFL draft.

“I have had a great three years at the University of Florida, but at this time I think it's best for me and my family to pursue a career in the NFL,” Purifoy said in a school release. “Coach (Will) Muschamp and Coach (Travaris) Robinson have put me in a position to take the next step. I know there is still a lot of work for me ahead, but I appreciate what everyone at Florida did to get me to this point.

“As much as I look forward to playing in the NFL, I will miss my teammates and coaches and look forward to watching them play next year.”

Purifoy played in 37 games at UF, including 19 starts, and totaled 102 tackles, 12 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, three blocked kicks, two interceptions, a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery.

"There are a lot of factors that go into making these individual and personal decisions and I'm 100-percent supportive of Loucheiz's choice to enter into the NFL draft," Florida coach Will Muschamp said in the release. "Loucheiz has come a long way from when I sat in his living room with his family during the recruiting process and he also knows his work is not done. We wish him nothing but the best of luck and look forward to watching him on Sundays. As we have with other former Gators, we encourage him to return to Florida and complete his degree."

Another top junior, cornerback Marcus Roberson, also is considering leaving early for the NFL. A decision from him could be coming any day.

<p>As expected, Florida junior cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy has declared for the NFL draft.</p><p>“I have had a great three years at the University of Florida, but at this time I think it's best for me and my family to pursue a career in the NFL,” Purifoy said in a school release. “Coach (Will) Muschamp and Coach (Travaris) Robinson have put me in a position to take the next step. I know there is still a lot of work for me ahead, but I appreciate what everyone at Florida did to get me to this point.</p><p>“As much as I look forward to playing in the NFL, I will miss my teammates and coaches and look forward to watching them play next year.”</p><p>Purifoy played in 37 games at UF, including 19 starts, and totaled 102 tackles, 12 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, three blocked kicks, two interceptions, a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery.</p><p>"There are a lot of factors that go into making these individual and personal decisions and I'm 100-percent supportive of Loucheiz's choice to enter into the NFL draft," Florida coach Will Muschamp said in the release. "Loucheiz has come a long way from when I sat in his living room with his family during the recruiting process and he also knows his work is not done. We wish him nothing but the best of luck and look forward to watching him on Sundays. As we have with other former Gators, we encourage him to return to Florida and complete his degree."</p><p>Another top junior, cornerback Marcus Roberson, also is considering leaving early for the NFL. A decision from him could be coming any day.</p>